[each breed requires different upkeep, also each persons likes the pet with
different length of coat. Ex. Bichons should be groomed monthly, but if you like
the pet short you can go to 2 to 3 months. It is important that if you go
that long a close eye should be kept on the pets ears (for any infection) and
the nails (to make sure they do not grow too long and preventing the nail from
either breaking or getting caught in the rug, causing pain and or bleeding. There
are breeds such as Labs that get groomed every month to every 6 months-
according to shedding or doggie odor.]

[They are 2 small sacs- one on each side of the rectum. A common fallacy
is that when a dog rubs his butt on the floor that he has worms, In reality his
glands are probably full and need to be emptied-either as part of the
grooming or by your Vet. If left unattended the sacs may become impacted and
surgery will be needed. So make sure the groomer does the glands a part of the
pets routine grooming.]

[There comes a point when brushing is just not going to do the job. Most
every dog can be dematted, but I WON'T put the animal through Not only is it
painful to the animal but may cause skin rash and in some animals, the rash is
so severe that it scratches itself to bleeding. It also will make your pet so
fearful of future visits, that the attitude will most likely turn negative
towards the grooming experience .]

[They are usually seen in the summer and fall. They are associated with allergies
and fleas. The most sensitive are usually light colored pets. Bichons are the
greatest example. The breed tends to be prone to them, If the dog has fleas the
chewing in a area causes moisture and irritation in that area. It can also be
caused by scratching an area. First aid to the spot - a medicated powder to the
area helps until the Veterinarian can be visited. The powder dries up the area
and the medicated powder helps to relieve the itching. And of coarse if the main
cause is parasites then the obvious is to rid the animal of the bugs.]

[The best cure is prevention-In the spring you should apply a flea and tick preventative,
Your Vet, groomer, and pet store carry them. There are different types and
brands to choose from- so ask for help Remember TICK season starts early-as soon
as the weather warms up in the early spring-so don't procrastinate. Fleas are
around until the frost (a good cold frost) so don't think its getting cooler
that there gone. This time of year (fall) the like you home. Also yearly
spraying outside and inside your home by an exterminator (they guarantee their
work Also having the pet groomed often will help because the groomer
checks for bugs at each visit....sometimes it only takes one flea to start a
skin problem.]

[ASAP............starting young will get the puppy comfortable with the
grooming routine. To start the puppy try to brush him several times a week (it
doesn't have to be a perfect brushing, just enough to get the pup use to
the feel and routine) Play with the pups feet. Get the pup familiar
to having their feet touched. Check the ears regularly for the same
reason. The puppy should wait until the last vaccination is given (usually
about 16 wks) If you already have a groomer, bring him/her in to meet the
one of the most important people (next to family of coarse) your pet will
know. You can then discuss the routine for your pets grooming life.]

[Most dogs run on grass, some do go for walks in the road. However
most are just backyard dogs so the nails do not get filed on concrete.
Therefore the nails should be done every 3 to 4 weeks. Grinding is
the best method due to the fact that grinding smooths the nails and there
is less chance for raspy edges. A plus to grinding is that if the quick is
hit the less likly there is for blood as in using regular nail clippers.]

Were the nails done properly. Without rasp so they are smooth.
Remember, the nails may never be so short that they do not grab you but they
should be done so they do not cut you.

How are the ears. Are they rid of hair? Are they CLEAN?
If not, did the groomer suggest taking the dog to the Vet? Or suggest ways
of maintaining the ears.

Was the bath done properly? Does the pet smell and feel
clean?

Has the hair between the bottom of the pads been cleaned out, around
the eyes trimmed, or the hair around the privates cleaned?

Most dogs should LIKE there groomer, but understand that the grooming
process can be stressful. Most dogs will get use to the process and get to LIKE
the groomer and do enjoy when they are picked up and told that they are
beautiful!! And they do understand Beautiful.

If there is something you are not happy with or would like to change
for the next grooming, your groomer should be open to suggestion and willing to
work with you.]